Disestablishing: meaning, definitions and examples

✝️
Add to dictionary

disestablishing

 

[ dɪsɪˈstæblɪʃɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

political action

Disestablishing refers to the act of terminating the formal recognition of a church or a religious organization as the official church of a state. This process often involves the removal of financial support and the severing of ties between the state and the church.

Synonyms

abolish, dissolve, reform

Examples of usage

  • The government is considering disestablishing the state church.
  • Historical tensions often emerge during discussions of disestablishing institutions.
  • Disestablishing the church can lead to significant changes in religious practices.

Word origin

The term 'disestablishing' derives from the prefix 'dis-' which indicates negation or removal, combined with 'establishing', which comes from the Old French 'establir' and ultimately from the Latin 'stabilis', meaning 'to make stable or firm'. The concept of disestablishment first gained prominence during the 19th century, particularly in relation to the established churches in Europe, where movements sought to separate religion from government amidst rising calls for secularization. In England, for instance, the disestablishment of the Church of England in Ireland in 1869 marked a significant shift towards religious and political independence. This historical context highlights the ongoing debates regarding the role of religion in public life and the balance between state and church that continue to resonate today.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,419, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.